Budget Figures and Rates

While in some instances it may be appropriate for investigators to have preliminary budgetary conversations with corporations and foundations, such conversations should only focus on direct costs necessary for conducting the project. Applicable F&A costs must be added to the budget approved for submission to the sponsor. Questions from the sponsors regarding the University F&A rates must be directed to Central Pre-Award office.

F&A on non-federal awards should be based on Total Direct Costs (TDC) unless otherwise specified by the sponsor. If the sponsor requires the use of an indirect cost rate that is less than the applicable Tufts rate or if the sponsor prohibits indirect costs, an effort should be made to recover the full cost of the proposed activity by direct allocation of administrative costs.

Fringe Benefits 7/1/17 until amended

Rate Type

Rate Months

Rate Months

Faculty (9 months appointment)

29.3% September/May

17.1% June/July/August
(summer supplement)

Faculty (12 months appointment)

29.3% September/August

Staff (12 months)

29.3% September/August

Staff Part-time (under 17.5 hrs.)

8.2% September/August

Students (undergrad & grad) – 9 mos

0% September/May

8.2% June/August*

Students (undergrad & grad) – 12 mos

0% September/August**

Post Docs

18.6% September/August

Faculty Summer Supplement

17.1% June/August

*For students on a 9-month appointment, fringe benefit costs apply to summer months effort (June, July and August) only if the student is not enrolled in classes or is not otherwise making progress towards the degree of studies.

**For students on a 12-month appointment, fringe benefit costs are not applicable.